Forum Members Meet & Greet?

[Mike]

I am considering trying to organize a Meet & Greet for members who would be able to attend. This event would be held in the Metro Detroit, Michigan area. Depending on the amount of interest showed this could be a one day event on a weekend or planned for a week night. My idea is a chance to sit down and talk in person, exchange ideas much like we do on the forum. If there was interest we could change this into a workshop meeting and make some sawdust. I would be happy to assist anyone with lodging suggestions if they were traveling a fair distance, I should be able to secure a discounted rate if a group decided to attend. I am open to suggestions and look forward to hearing your responses.

[-Sam-]

I think that's a great idea Mike!

[Mark]

I think thats a great idea Mike, we'll have to plan out a day and a time to meet, also, we'll have to see what Bob & Rick think of it.

[Mike]

I would be delighted if Bob and Rick could attend. Those two inspired me to start routing beyond simple trim work. Schedules and distance being what they are, I know many members would not be able to attend. I still think it is a worthwhile idea for those who could. Truth be known I got this idea from one of Ed's(Reible) jokes about a party for reaching a certain membership level. 5,000 seems like a good reason to have a party.

[NewMontanaWorkshop]

Be a long drive for an evening event from Montana...

But, y'all have a good time.

[BrianS]

Sounds like a great idea. If I can, I'll cruise on over from Canada... give the event an international flair... Not that far, considering I'm only 5 minutes from the bridge.

[BobandRick]

Sounds like a great idea.

How many would sign up for an event like this? What could we do to make this enjoyable for all.

What kind of an event would it take to get people to travel? What would it take to get you "Snowshoe" to travel? Would you come to the Router Workshop?

Maybe a weekend router conference with 45 minute informational seminars like the tricks to making simple drawers or basic joinery with your router or designing simple patterns or the five most effective router bits. Maybe a winter conference in AZ. Nov., Dec or Jan., Feb?

Lets hear from others.

[Mike]

Rick, Having a winter conference sounds like a nice idea. It's hard to beat Phoenix in Feb! My idea wasn't on quite as grand a scale: I thought forum members might enjoy the chance to meet people in their area. Getting together to swap ideas, seek help on problems or just building projects. Car people call this sort of thing "Bench Racing." So far Brian is the only "local" member to respond. Maybe this is just a nice idea that wont amount to much.

[Mike]

Since there was little local response to this post I am going ahead and asking members if they would attend a meeting on Saturday August 27th in Detroit. Depending on the number of responses I will try and get us into the back room workshop at Woodcraft or simply meet at my place to make some sawdust. Let me know what you think?

[NewMontanaWorkshop]

Originally Posted by BobandRick

Sounds like a great idea.

How many would sign up for an event like this? What could we do to make this enjoyable for all.

What kind of an event would it take to get people to travel? What would it take to get you "Snowshoe" to travel? Would you come to the Router Workshop?

Maybe a weekend router conference with 45 minute informational seminars like the tricks to making simple drawers or basic joinery with your router or designing simple patterns or the five most effective router bits. Maybe a winter conference in AZ. Nov., Dec or Jan., Feb?

Lets hear from others.

Would I come to the Router Workshop? (In a heartbeat!!!!) Unfortunately, I'm starting a new job as of today (wholesale entry door manufacturer) so my schedule is kinda booked even if I could find a way to get there.

Hope y'all do manage to get something put together though -- sounds like a great idea and a good way for a bunch of you to get to know each other. (I'll be there in spirit if not in body).